SNYDER'S STOUGHTON: You won't have to float a loan to float alone

Thursday

Apr 26, 2018 at 9:01 AMApr 26, 2018 at 9:20 AM

As part of the Y’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water, the Old Colony Y’s Stoughton branch will provide scholarships for swim instruction and water safety to children from communities in and surrounding Stoughton.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages one to 14. A study conducted in 2011 by USA Swimming found that in ethnically diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average. Additionally, nearly six out of 10 African-American and Hispanic/Latino children are unable to swim, nearly twice as many as their Caucasian counterparts.

“Educating children about how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before they cross the street,” said Ellen Greene, vice president and executive director of the Stoughton YMCA. “The Y teaches children of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives, it builds confidence.”

The Stoughton Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for nearly a decade, and many years before that as a Jewish community center. The Old Colony Y continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose from, including swim team, group lessons for ages 3 months to adult, private lessons, and red cross certifications.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It teaches the life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing— skills that last a lifetime.

To learn how to qualify for financial assistance, contact the Y at 781-341-2016. As someone who never learned to swim, I appreciate this program! I wish it was around 50 years ago!

PRIDE OF STOUGHTON 2018: Stoughton Youth Commission reports that Pride of Stoughton 2018 was a big success! It writes, "Tackled so many different areas around town and picked up loads of trash! Stoughton is better today than it was yesterday and it’s all thanks to the many volunteers who came out today to give back to their community. Awesome job everyone! Big thank you to the Stoughton DPW, Keep Stoughton Beautiful, The Recreation Department, The Beautification Committee, and the Board of the Stoughton Youth Commission (and employees) for making this day come together!"

It took place all around town April 22. Work all year round in keeping your town clean. And think twice about tossing trash and waste out of your car! #KeepStoughtonBeautiful

BE A SUPERHERO! Do you have two hours a week to be a superhero to some adorable kids? Horizons For Homeless Children partners with local homeless shelters, builds beautiful play spaces, then brings in volunteers to play with the children living there for two hours a week! It needs volunteers in Stoughton. The next training will be held from 6-9 p.m. June 7 in West Bridgewater. Visit https://tinyurl.com/yd6mjwu9 to fill out an application or call 508-510-3250 with any questions.

TOWN MEETING ARTICLES: In an effort to provide Town Meeting representatives and all Stoughton citizens with as much information as possible, Interim Town Manager Marc Tisdelle has prepared a video presentation explaining many of the articles included in the 2018 Town Meeting Warrant. Here is a link to the video, which is on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6K75Ot0FT0.

Many thanks to Town Moderator Adam Dawkins, Tisdelle, the hard-working staff at Town Hall, and friends at Stoughton Media Access Corporation (SMAC) for their collaboration on this very helpful presentation.

STOUGHTON PD TRIBUTE TO SGT. GANNON: The Stoughton Police Department put up a wonderful tribute to Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon, who was shot and killed trying to serve a warrant to a career criminal. His K9 partner, Nero, was also shot, and is recovering from his wounds. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/ydsLJ2XgZD4.

CARS & COFFEE: Paul Clark started a "Cars & Coffee" event every Sunday, from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Last Shot on Rt. 138 in Stoughton. He tells Snyder's Stoughton, "The first week had only four participants. We are hoping for a lot more in the coming weeks. All is free. Bring your car or truck to show off. Weekly specials in the restaurant are offered to participants. "

Mark Snyder, who has written more than 2,500 articles in newspapers and magazines, and published three books, is the CEO of PMPNetwork.com, the internet’s entertainment superstation. He also started the Stoughton News group on Facebook, which has 6,500 subscribers. Have a story idea? He can be reached by e-mail via snydersstoughton@aol.com, via toll free fax at 866-655-8234, and on Facebook.